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Project summary

For over a decade, UNSW Engineering students and staff have helped address the basic communications and lighting needs for health and education in remote Vanuatu villages, using solar electricity.

Project outcomes

The ±«±·³§°ÂÌýÉnergie Renouvelable project in Vanuatu has been active on the Tanna Island since 2007. To date, UNSW students and staff  have installed solar-powered lighting and phone charging facilities in 14 rural health aid posts, updated renewable energy services for three schools, worked on a mini-grid to provide energy security to Imaki village, and provided locals with a solar power user guide in Bislama and English.  

After the devastating Tropical Cyclone Pam, in March 2015, ±«±·³§°ÂÌýteams sought to address both communications and lighting needs in remote villages without electricity.

In 2019 the team successfully completed a survey of geothermal energy sites and assessed damaged to a mini hydro energy system. UNSW is grateful for the support of its students in this project from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s New Colombo Plan.